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Niowave plans $200 million manufacturing project near Lansing

DEWITT TOWNSHIP — A roughly $200 million manufacturing project near Lansing's airport is planned to produce radioisotopes used in medical imaging and is expected to create dozens of jobs, officials said.

Lansing-based Niowave Inc. is announcing details of the project this week, the Lansing State Journal and MLive.com reported. It was awarded $3 million in state funding Wednesday that is meant to help with some construction costs for the building.

"Niowave is a global leader in superconducting accelerator technology and its commitment to Lansing is a strong signal that Michigan's highly competitive business climate and tremendous workforce capabilities mean real opportunities for leading-edge businesses," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a statement.

"Niowave's significant investment here will help diversify Michigan's economy and provide additional high-paying jobs for years to come."

It's estimated that Niowave's building planned for Clinton County's DeWitt Township will cost $79 million. When factoring in costs for intellectual property and licensing, Niowave said the project is valued around $200 million. Groundbreaking could take place in the spring, followed by a 2015 opening.

According to state and company officials, the project could mean 90-120 jobs.

Jerry Hollister, Niowave's chief operating officer, said the facility will produce radioisotopes primarily for medical use in imaging, diagnostics tests and for therapy. Niowave's expansion follows a research and testing site it opened near its headquarters a year ago.

The new facility will be near a cargo terminal that the Capital Region International Airport built last year to boost international trade. Jobs will include scientists, engineers, computer-assisted designers and technicians, Hollister said, with an average salary of $60,000.

"Michigan has quite a bit of the intellectual capacity necessary to really support this new industry, and particularly here in mid-Michigan," said Hollister, whose company currently employs more than 70 people. "It just made sense for us to be here."

The state support is from the Michigan Business Development Program, which is contributing to the project through a $3 million grant that must be paid back. The Port Lansing Next Michigan Development Corp. also has offered support with a property tax abatement.